Alaska Governor Sean Parnell signed legislation that reduces the cruise passenger head tax from $46 to $34.50 and provides incentives to support the state’s tourism marketing. After a decade of growth, the state experienced a sharp decline in cruise vactioners in 2009 and again in 2010. Over this two-year period, Alaska lost more than 260,000 visitors, $420 million in direct and indirect spending and over 5,000 jobs.

In signing the bill, Parnell stated that reversing the decline in visitors to Alaska has been a focus of his administration. “Passage of this bill sends a clear message that Alaska values visitors and tourism investment,” added Parnell. He added the change will help Alaska’s families, businesses and communities to be better positioned for tourism growth. Tourism accounts for more than 40,000 Alaska jobs during the peak summer months and $3.4 billion in direct and indirect spending.